Kentucky Wildcats Enter the Mix for Top Transfer Lamar Wilkerson
The Kentucky Wildcats are now firmly in the hunt for one of the most sought-after players in the college basketball transfer portal. Sam Houston State standout Lamar Wilkerson, one of the nation’s most efficient and high-volume scorers last season, is expected to visit Kentucky along with Indiana, Auburn, and Ole Miss before making his final decision.
Wilkerson’s Breakout Year Turns Heads Nationally
A 6-foot-5 senior from Ashdown, Arkansas, Wilkerson is coming off a stellar season in which he averaged 20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. He shot an impressive 47.7% from the field and a scorching 44.5% from beyond the arc—numbers that placed him among the elite shooters in the country.
His standout performance earned him First-Team All-Conference USA honors for the second year in a row and significantly raised his stock as one of the top guards available in the portal. Wilkerson’s perimeter scoring was a major asset for Sam Houston State—he knocked down 109 three-pointers on the season, 13th most in the country, including 20 from beyond 25 feet.
With his elite shooting and ability to score in a variety of ways, Wilkerson has quickly become a priority target for programs seeking to enhance their offensive firepower.
Kentucky Making a Late but Significant Push for Lamar Wilkerson
Kentucky has recently stepped up its pursuit of Sam Houston State star Lamar Wilkerson, entering the race as a serious player despite Indiana still being viewed as the frontrunner—especially following a projection from On3’s Pete Nakos. The Wildcats are expected to host Wilkerson for a campus visit once the NCAA’s recruiting dead period ends, with in-person meetings permitted beginning Friday.
Head coach Mark Pope’s offensive philosophy places a strong emphasis on spacing and perimeter shooting—areas where Wilkerson thrives. Over 76% of his three-pointers last season came off assists, making him a natural fit for a motion offense that relies heavily on ball movement and catch-and-shoot opportunities.
Filling a Key Need in Kentucky’s Lineup
While Kentucky’s 2025-26 roster is starting to take shape, one of the biggest remaining needs is reliable perimeter scoring. Wilkerson could fill that gap perfectly. He scored in double digits in every game last season and topped the 20-point mark in more than half of them. He also delivered in marquee matchups, scoring 18 points at Indiana’s Assembly Hall and knocking down five threes against Baylor.
Wilkerson made history at Sam Houston as the program’s first Division I player to average over 20 points in a season, proving he can shoulder a major scoring role against high-level opponents. If he joins the Wildcats, he could become a centerpiece in Pope’s offensive system and a major weapon in Kentucky’s backcourt.
What to Watch For
Lamar Wilkerson’s final visit itinerary has not been confirmed, but with high-major programs in pursuit, his recruitment is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing of the offseason. Kentucky may be a late addition to the mix, but its style of play could be a perfect match for Wilkerson’s strengths. With the April 22 transfer portal deadline looming, his upcoming visits are expected to play a crucial role in determining where he lands—and could ultimately decide one of the top transfer moves of the spring.
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